In response to a question asking where, if you were given the choice, you would send people judged to be unworthy of Heaven, a girl said to me:
"This one is so easy...I don't! I am not God and never will be so those decisions will never be in my hands."
Many Christians that believe in eternal torment won't answer this question because "It will never happen." But it seems to me at least that this is simply an excuse to keep from considering the possibility that there is a more just judgment than eternal torment. Say, nonexistence for example.
IOW, if they answer the question with anything other than "burn them," they're basically saying that their god is infinitely evil at best.
What do you think? Is my perspective too narrow to appreciate the potential complexity of their reasoning or is this usually a simple cop out?
Thanks for your sincere answers.
2007-11-20 08:43:25 · 10 answers · asked by Homeland Security 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Here's the original question if you're in the mood to read:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AggjsH64uLZJKJvAtDTldAfsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20071120132008AApKFzo
2007-11-20 08:43:51 · update #1
Since I am the one that you quoted, I have to answer this one as well...it was not a cop out. I don't have the authority to answer that question as I am not God. Would I prefer that people simply cease to exist? I can't honestly answer that question. My mother and sisters are not saved. There is not one part of me that wants them to be tormented for all of eternity, not one part. I also believe in the eternal soul, so I can't believe that anyone will cease to exist because I believe that God created each of us to be eternal in nature. I am sure that there are some Christians that are self righteous and take joy in the knowledge that others will suffer for eternity. I am not one of them. It hurts me deeply to know that even one person could face eternal torment, that is why I try to share with those that are willing to listen. But, I cannot change anyone's mind or force them to believe as I do. It is a very difficult thing to look into the eyes of a lost person and see their fate. Life would be a lot easier believing that we all will simply cease to exist, then you don't have the weight of the world on your shoulders. Do you have any idea how difficult it can be being a Christian? At any given time, you could make a mistake and be the reason that someone says..."If that is what it means to be saved, then count me out!" I am a sinner among sinners and don't pretend to be anyhting but!
2007-11-20 09:15:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think it's a cop out I think it's the truth and I trust fully that someone with more wisdom and who knows more than all of us and sees the future will be making that decision( God ). So if you want to tell me that what I truly believe is a cop out go right ahead, I don't really care I believe what I believe and what ever you say about is not going to change that.
2007-11-20 09:01:08 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Technically She's Right!!
Jesus is The Judge.
But, if you Search Deep Enough for "The TruthFull Answer" of your Question, you'll End Up Agreeing with GOD.
I Know, you Think GOD sends People to Hell to "Punish Them", HE don't.
2007-11-20 08:59:15 · answer #3 · answered by maguyver727 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Harry's got a great point.
It's the same concept.
I couldn't imagine being God. There are so many factors that have to be taken into consideration when judging people, and I'm just not qualified to consider all of them.
I also couldn't imagine flipping that switch.
2007-11-20 08:53:07 · answer #4 · answered by The_Cricket: Thinking Pink! 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
OK first off let me just say God is not sending people to Hell cause they were Bad or unworthy...the problem is nothing unholy CAN BE in the presense of God it can't BE it would burn up because his holiness is to Awesome. the ones that will be going to hell i think are the ones who accepted the gift of eternal life and then turned their back on him.....NOT ATHIEST....thats what i think......I don't think the people are (coping out) i think they are confused
2007-11-20 08:51:35 · answer #5 · answered by Lee's Wife 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
well to a Christian you question is absurd as we don't believe
that can ever happen from what the scripture tells us. And
since Christians are behoved to speak the truth about biblical
things your asking us to make a judgement that we'll never
be allowed to make...
that said....
If burning in hell is thier punsihment and being tormented
forever is what God wants then so be it...it is righteousness
beyond what you or i think...
2007-11-20 08:58:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You miss the point God it completely just. Each will receive in the forever what they chose for now. If you want nothing to do with God, he will not force his way into your life. Your hell, will be the absence OF God, and all that goes with that. That is where the hell comes in. You only have two choice, God or Satan.
2007-11-20 08:57:43 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Let me ask you two questions. Do you believe in the death penalty? If so would you be willing to flip the switch on a convicted murderer who has no ties to you whatsoever?
2007-11-20 08:48:33 · answer #8 · answered by harry 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I believe in God but I gave you my answer
I think we should all be erased. Things would be better off that way
2007-11-20 08:48:59 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Why don't you accept Christ already?!
2007-11-20 08:57:24 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋